The Next

5G
Generation
of Wireless:
5G Leadership
in the U.S.

Thomas K. Sawanobori
SVP and Chief Technology Officer, CTIA
February 9, 2016
Source: Volvo Cars
5G

Entire industries, from

agriculture to transportation,
will be transformed to be
more capable, efficient, and
intelligent. That’s the promise of
the next-generation of wireless
technology, known as 5G.
Wireless connectivity touches every aspect of our daily lives today, but we are just
scratching the surface of its consumer benefits. Imagine a future where nearly
everything is connected to ubiquitous, very high-speed wireless networks. Imagine
enjoying enriched entertainment while riding to work in a self-driving car, doctors that
monitor patients’ vital signs remotely in real-time, and communities that are smarter and
more connected.

Entire industries, from agriculture to the wireless ecosystem evolves from

transportation, will be transformed
to be more capable, efficient, and
intelligent. That’s the promise of
the next-generation of wireless
technology, known as 5G.
United States leadership in this next-
generation of wireless is critical. We
are a global leader in 4G LTE. 99.6%
of Americans now have access to a 4G
LTE network,1 thanks to nearly $150
billion invested since 20102 by wireless
operators large and small.
4G LTE to 5G. U.S. carriers including Responsiveness
AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, US
Cellular, and suppliers, including
Ericsson, Nokia, Intel, QUALCOMM, Three Key
Samsung, Cisco, Microsoft, Motorola, Consumer
CommScope, HP, and others are Benefits Speed
partnering to drive foundational 5G of 5G
activities on technology and global
standards-setting fronts. One U.S.
operator has announced trials of 5G Connect
Everything
networks; others are working hard on
technical requirements and standards.

That means nearly every American can
access mobile broadband at speeds
up to tens of Mbs a second.
This 4G LTE leadership has paid
dividends throughout the U.S.
economy and our mobile ecosystem.
Licensed wireless service generates
over $400 billion in annual economic
activity and every wireless industry job
results in another 6.5 people finding
employment. American entrepreneurs
capture 91% of the world’s mobile app
downloads, and U.S. companies run
the operating systems on 9 out of 10
smartphones worldwide.
Other countries have seen our 4G
LTE success and want to seize the
mantle of 5G leadership. South
Korean carriers have announced
trials at the Winter Olympics in
2018, and Japanese operators plan
to demonstrate 5G in 2020 at the
Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The EU
has committed 700M Euro to 5G R&D.
The U.S. wireless industry is committed
to maintaining our global leadership as
The advanced US trials, the standards
process commitment, and the science
and engineering are critical to 5G
efforts. The technical development
of 5G is evidenced by the significant
amount of literature and papers
produced by Next Generation Mobile
Networks,3 4G Americas,4 Ericsson,5
Nokia,6 Samsung, QUALCOMM, Intel,
and others. Leading operators have
been very active in 4G Americas
defining requirements for 5G including
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.7 Next
Generation Mobile Networks has
key representatives from around
the globe including AT&T, Sprint,
T-Mobile, Verizon, and US Cellular.8
Signals Ahead has published a paper
“Understanding the Ins and Outs of
the 5G Use Cases” examining 72 use
cases possible with 5G. CTIA’s focus is
on what 5G will mean for consumers,
the benefits consumers will experience
with 5G networks, and how public
policy can advance these consumer
interests.
Specifically, this paper explores
three key aspects – speed,
connection ubiquity, and immediacy
– of 5G networks that will transform
consumers’ wireless experience and
enable a fully-connected mobile
life. We also provide clear steps
policymakers can take to help maintain
U.S. wireless leadership and support
future 5G investment.
In particular, current spectrum planning
by the Federal government needs to
account for the increased demand
that is projected for mobile broadband
services; working with stakeholders,
the Administration and the FCC must
not only keep on track with respect
to current efforts, but must also
identify new bands capable of being
auctioned and develop a timetable
for those auctions. Along with smart
infrastructure and siting policies,
as well as wise R&D investments,
more focused spectrum re-allocation
planning will be vital to robust
development and deployment of 5G in
the U.S.
5G “5G is about more than faster mobile services – it will enable new use cases related to the
Internet of Things.” • Rima Qureshi, SVP and Chief Strategy Officer, Ericsson

The Evolution Of Wireless Networks

Wireless has evolved significantly over the last thirty years. With every
generation of technology new consumer benefits are unleashed and we
become one step closer to our connected life future.
In 1981, the first generation of wireless (1G) gave us analog wireless voice,
connecting Americans on the go for the first time. 2G enabled digital voice,
increased capacity, and introduced text messaging in the 1990s.
3G brought us the first true wireless data in the 2000s, giving consumers
access to the Internet everywhere they go. And 4G LTE, first deployed in
2010, has delivered the ubiquitous high-speed wireless broadband we enjoy
today, unlocking the potential of mobile video and so much more innovation.
Today’s 4G LTE networks offer consumer speeds of 10-20 Mb/s on average,9
with network latency – the time it takes between a consumer’s request for
data and when that data arrives back at their device – is approximately 50
milliseconds end-to-end (including 10 millisecond air link). 4G LTE networks
offer a device density of approximately 2000 active devices per square kilo-
meter, which has helped support the introduction of the Internet of Things.
Thanks to these advances, and the mobile innovation that rides on those
networks, consumers have embraced 4G LTE wireless service. Mobile data
use keeps growing, and the trend lines are daunting, with a six-fold growth
in traffic expected by the end of the decade.
While we are focused here on longer-term developments, the 4G LTE plat-
form will continue to evolve and carriers will continue to innovate at break-
neck speed with network capabilities like carrier aggregation to provide
more capacity and increased download speeds, voice over LTE (VoLTE) for
a higher quality voice experience, and Rich Communications Services (RCS)
for video chatting and enriched messaging. Operators throughout the U.S.
including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, US Cellular and others are aggres-
sively working to implement new capabilities. Carriers in the US are laying
the strong foundation for 5G today with 4G LTE. Leading U.S. operators
have been deploying wide band carriers and two carrier aggregation for the
last couple of years. Beyond that operators are doing more. For example,
T-Mobile is employing new spectrum, 3 carrier aggregation, and new service
North American capabilities to make 4G LTE a great platform for serving usage and meeting
Mobile Network Life Cycles
In Years
Incline Arrow 1G 2G 3G 4G 5G
Years to Peak

Decline Arrow
→

→
8→

Peak to End
→
→

13
14

13

9
7

→
→

11
11

→
→
→

of Life 9

1981 1991 1998 2010 2017 [Estimated]

consumer needs.10 Sprint is upgrading its network to LTE Plus with 3 carrier
aggregation and believes 4G LTE will be the ‘foundational layer’ for what
5G becomes.11 Wireless carriers are also leveraging new capabilities in low
power, less expensive 4G LTE chipsets to foster greater growth in the IoT.
Thanks to these advances in 4G LTE technology, consumers’ wireless expe- Consumer Benefits of 5G

10x
rience will continue to improve significantly even before the rollout of next By the Numbers
generation technology and services.
Yet we stand on the cusp of a significant new development in the wireless

Faster
industry: 5G. Standards will be developed by 2018, and the U.S. wireless
industry expects to rollout 5G services the following few years. Some have

100x
suggested commercial rollout will start before 2020 with early versions of
the standards.
More Devices
5G is not just another evolution in wireless technology, 5G will be a
game-changer for consumers. Here’s why.

5x
Key Consumer Benefits
5G will benefit wireless consumers in three key ways:
• 5G will be very fast, even in densely populated areas. More Responsive
• 5G will connect everything, supporting the Internet of Things.
• 5G will be real-time, minimizing delays in network response and enabling
entirely new services and applications.

3G
384 Kbps [2000]
4G
100 Mbps [2010]
5G
>1 Gbps [2020+]

5G: Very Fast

Each generation of wireless technologies leapfrogs the capabilities of the
prior generation, and the most tangible change is a significant increase in
network speed. 5G will be no exception.
Our 4G LTE networks are fast, with speeds that can approach ~100 Mb/s
peak rates. But thanks to innovations like millimeter (mm) wave technology,
5G networks will be extremely fast – generating a throughput more than 10
times faster, potentially over 1 Gb/s – particularly in dense urban locations
and initially likely in localized “hot spots.” Indeed, technology leaders
such as Samsung,12 Ericsson,13 Nokia,14 Intel,15 QUALCOMM,16 and others are
demonstrating and testing 5G speeds in excess of 1 Gb/s in initial testing
and collaboration with industry players.
5G “5G will really change the game, and I think it will be another spike of growth in the
wireless industry.” • Lowell McAdam, Chairman and CEO, Verizon

The 5G revolution in data speeds Very high speed broadband to businesses, train stations, airports,
campuses, public venues, stadiums, shopping malls, or other
will unleash a host of consumer
locations
benefits, including:
It is envisioned that 5G will be best suited to handle traffic where there is
considerable demand and a high concentration of users.
All consumers have experienced the challenge of posting a photo or
making a phone call from a crowded stadium or event. 5G will not
only provide faster peak speeds, it is designed to handle highly dense
environments and will provide a consistent very fast speed consumer
experience.
Specifically with the capacity gains from 5G, consumers will be able to
experience 5G without a diminution in speed or quality.17 For businesses
in particular, this high speed connectivity can improve connectedness with
employees who work remotely or travel frequently and reduce operating
costs.18
Beyond these venues, 5G is suitable for fixed wireless connectivity. It
can provide businesses and residences with very high speed wireless
broadband. 5G can provide these capabilities indoors and outdoors.

Movies, video, and other media New video applications

The average consumer usage patterns have 5G will enable fast access to ultra HD elements. 22
changed dramatically with 4G LTE. Internet content including 4K and 8K video. The For example, attending a football
browsing, social media, and video drive the benefits of Ultra HD will be especially game in the future could be enriched
majority of consumer usage on smartphones.19 compelling on tablets, laptops, and by having access to ultra HD content
Consumers now spend an average of 2.8 hours other larger screen devices. from a variety of perspectives –
per day with mobile content thanks to LTE High speed wireless connections quarterback, defensive player, or
speeds and functionalities.20 will also revolutionize gaming and coach, among others. These could
Downloading a movie or large file can still take entertainment, providing an immersive be provided to enhance the stadium
minutes if not longer. experience that allows users to experience for viewers with equipped
actively interact with simulated devices.
Very high speed hotspots can enable rapid
downloads of movies and video, or streaming
to a smart device, tablet, or laptop, faster than
ever before. Nokia, for example, promises
speeds fast enough to download a 3-D movie in
seconds, compared to several minutes over 4G
LTE, or more than an hour on 3G.21
5G: Connecting Everything
5G will be much more than faster speeds. 5G promises consumers a more
connected wireless network with much higher device density, enabling the connectivity
of virtually all of our physical world. 5G will provide the scale for wireless networks to
support billions of sensors, wearables, and devices that will unlock new innovations and
functionalities.
While 4G LTE provides a solid foundation for IoT where advancements are
being made to 4G LTE with lower cost, lower power chipsets to support IoT,
the wireless network of today ultimately has a connection density limitation
that needs to be addressed to support the massive number of active
sensors, wearables, and connected devices.
Specifically, the massive number of new wireless Internet of Things (IoT)
devices – nearly 28 billion in total and roughly 1.5B M2M and consumer
connected wireless (cellular) devices by 2021, will ultimately need a
technology upgrade.23 The limitations in today’s technology could impact
the responsiveness a consumer perceives in accessing the network. 5G
will be able to support massive connection density, possibly on the order of
100 times greater than 4G LTE.
Consumers can expect an array of connected devices with 5G networks,
including:

Smart Cities
Cities are looking to use wireless technology and the IoT to create impactful
solutions for their citizens.
Many consumers today rely on applications like Waze that provide real-time
information. Imagine sensors that provide automatic real-time information
on parking, traffic, and every other facet of your daily life. Intelligent
systems can help route you optimally to your destination and direct you to
the most convenient parking location.
To make smart cities a reality for consumers, operators are forming
alliances with technology companies, industry leaders, and universities to
create a framework for smart cities and more connected communities.
For example, AT&T is partnering with Cisco, Deloitte, Ericsson, GE, IBM,
Intel, and Qualcomm in cities such as Atlanta. In addition to enabling
wireless connectivity to things like utility meters, street lights, and water
systems. The new framework will enable new categories such as:
AT&T is also developing a new digital dashboard—the Smart City Network
Operation Center—which will provide a comprehensive overview of public
infrastructure and conditions. This will offer cities a dashboard view of how
assets are performing in near-real time. City officials also will be able to
keep tabs on power outages, water leaks, traffic issues, and more – all from
one location.
5G’s higher throughput and lower latency is expected to enable such
• Infrastructure – remote monitoring of roads,
bridges, buildings, parks, and venues
•C
 itizen convenience – real-time traffic
information including consideration of traffic lights
and smart parking, in which you can find a spot
and reserve one
• P ublic transportation – digital signage to let
commuters know when the next bus or train will
arrive
• P ublic safety – manage traffic patterns of
pedestrians at stadiums, parks, and busy
intersections. Alerts of incidents such as a
shooting could enable better response and
improved safety.24
While sensor networks are already starting to
enable smart cities, 5G will also greatly expand the
number of sensor devices, optimizing traffic and
parking. As just one example, 5G will make flexible
bus management possible, allowing bus stops and
people to tell buses when people are waiting, and
bus drivers to skip empty stops or send more buses
when demand is high.25

5G Using 5G to Improve
Case Study
Urban Transportation
Ericsson’s Connected Mobility Arena project,
designs prototype 5G-enabled solutions
addressing mass transportation impacts.
Initial use cases will focus on improving the
transport of people and goods through Driver
Assistance (providing real-time recommenda-
tions for drivers to improve travel efficiency)
and Semi- and Fully Automated vehicles.
With Driver Assistance, bus drivers will be
instructed in real time how long to wait to
pick up passengers, and passengers can be
instructed which bus to take and when. The
resulting efficiencies will lower costs for con-
sumers and reduce environmental impacts.
Likewise, Semi- and Fully Automated vehicles
will be able to use “vehicle platooning” to
have vehicles coordinate braking and accel-
eration, which will increase road capacity
and reduce traffic congestion.
While these 5G solutions will evolve from
existing technologies, they will include
Quality of Service requirements that specify
the maximum network delay and/or minimum
guaranteed throughput.
solutions. Capabilities like these can enable cleaner, more efficient cities
with better use of city resources. Global smart city economic benefits are
estimated to range from $644B-1.2T by 2025. 26
Wearables and Tag Devices
With 5G, wearables and tag devices devices that not only record
are expected to become more exercise performance and make
prevalent. Wearables remain in recommendations, but also can send
their infancy – just 21% of adults real-time vital heath statistics (like
have a fitness device today27 – but brain function, heartbeat, and blood
the opportunities are vast. The pressure) to healthcare experts to
projected annual value of wearables prevent emergencies before they
is $600B globally by 2025.28 happen.29
Unlike today’s devices, however, Tag devices (which allow individuals
future 5G wearables will be fully to stay in constant connection
connected devices – in other words, with valuable items or loved ones)
devices that do not need to be tied present a host of potential consumer
to a smartphone to connect to the uses: tracking and monitoring
Internet. bicycles, motorcycles, pets,
Samsung, for example, is developing briefcases, handbags, keys, and
connected healthcare and fitness even children.
Automotive
The auto industry has already alert the driver that engine cleaning
leveraged 4G LTE for entertainment, is recommended and allow the driver
information, and safety in vehicles to schedule an appointment. More
across the country. But even as serious concerns such as low tire
in-car 4G LTE use continues, 5G pressure could direct the driver to the
promises real-time vehicle solutions nearest service station.
with richer information and safety Vehicle broadband access could
options. also include video streaming,
For instance, vehicle broadband video downloads, music and audio,
access can enable maintenance- broadband Internet access, and
type notifications for vehicle new emerging applications such as
servicing needs. Instead of a simple virtual or augmented reality.
‘check engine’ light, a sensor could
Smart Homes
With 5G, our homes will continue to grow smarter through enhanced home
security (remote video security monitoring and controls; wireless-controlled
door locks), and smart appliances (refrigerators that notify you when low
on certain products). New technology will enable much higher throughputs
which can enable multiple high resolution cameras and other sensors to be
connected and remotely monitored.
5G “[W]e see 5G as a big step forward … You can call it a revolution, it’s definitely not
incremental change.” • Matt Grob, CTO, Qualcomm

M-Health and Telemedicine

The next generation of wireless remote monitoring. For instance,
technology will unlock the potential of researchers at the University of
mHealth and telemedicine. Already Virginia are working to transform type
today, remote diagnostic vital signs 1 diabetes management by introducing
are being trialed and utilized, but with an “artificial pancreas” solution, which
a wireless network that can connect will automatically monitor patients’
consumers’ body sensors with health blood-sugar levels and deliver insulin
care facilities, consumers will see as needed. The system will use a
improvements in health care outcomes body sensor to report insulin levels
and efficiency gains. to a smartphone app, which will then
For instance, sensors for health analyze the data and wirelessly control
monitoring are going to be more a wearable insulin pump. 30 In the future,
prevalent, with automated reporting to a high resolution images and video can hospitals for diagnosis and treatment
doctor’s office or nurses’ station. These be used by doctors to rapidly and en route. The potential global benefits
advances will improve safety, health, cost-effectively diagnose problems are considerable, including longer lives
and efficiency. and affect quicker medical outcomes. and the improved quality of those lives, 31
Emergency medical teams may transmit estimated to reach somewhere between
In the area of health monitoring, there high resolution images to doctors in $700B and $1.2 T globally by 2025. 32
are many opportunities for improved,

Smart Grid Smart grid technology provides

The energy area will expand from meter reading and collecting to the
smart grid opportunity. Projections indicate that smart grid modernization
investments could total $1.3T over the next 15 years. Wireless connections
will enable monitoring of the grid, particularly in the distribution network.
Substations will require wired connections, but sensors deployed
throughout the distribution network and on remote meters will enable
the utilities to better serve customers. Companies such as Sprint are
already deploying solutions for smart grid for companies such as Tollgrade
Communications, a global leader of Smart Grid Sensors with Predictive
Grid® Analytics. 33
three main consumer benefits:
➊ keeps the lights on by enabling overhaul of the
grid system; ensuring the grid grows to meet
expected increases; and limiting brownouts /
blackouts / surges;
➋ lowers energy costs by giving consumers’ control
over their usage and facilitating troubleshooting;
and
➌ helps secure energy independence by enabling
full scale vehicle charging, focusing on renewable
energy.34

Industrial and Other IoT Examples

Agriculture is another area where
IoT has great potential. Sensors with
wireless connectivity for crop fields can
help optimize growing and minimize
use of water and fertilizers through
more targeted application. Livestock
can be monitored remotely, as can
tanks and other farm equipment,
making farming more efficient.
Consumers will benefit from fresher
produce and products that are
produced using more efficient farming
methods. All told, economic benefits
in agriculture are estimated in the
$53-341B range annually. 35
Public safety is a key area where
IoT can deliver benefits in terms of
improved disaster and emergency
services and improved crime detection
and monitoring. Wireless connections
will inform public safety personnel
of the status of threats and help
coordinate response tactics.
Hardened wireless cameras may be
used to provide video of fire status
around walls and inside buildings.
5G will help public safety save
lives through better responses to
emergencies, and economic benefits
range from $38-72B annually. 36
Source: Volvo Cars

Reduced latency has significant real-world implications.

For instance, it would take about 4.6 feet for a 4G car to apply its
brakes. Just an inch for a 5G car to do so, helping avoid collisions
and accidents.

5G
1 Inch

4G

4.6 Feet
5G: Real-Time
5G also promises a marked improvement in wireless network lag time –
enabling faster communications.
4G LTE latency rates – the technical term for the delay between your
request for data and when your mobile device receives it – are low, roughly
10 milliseconds over-the-air; 50 milliseconds end-to-end. This enables
consumers to have good quality voice over IP (VoIP) calls and video calls
with little delay or jitter. 5G latency rates will be even lower – targeted to
be five to ten times lower. 37
This reduction in latency may seem inconsequential, but a near real-
time consumer wireless experience will enable a host of benefits and
applications not possible today.
The real-time abilities of 5G will unlock:

Vehicle Safety and Collision Avoidance

Automobiles will increasingly use
sensors and collision avoidance
capabilities to alert the drivers to
stay in lanes, avoid collisions, and to
contact emergency services in the
event of an accident.
Sensing with vehicles at speed
requires very low latency and
the real-time nature of 5G should
provide such capabilities. With the
reduced latency of a fully optimized
There are some unique
applications of Vehicle-to-
Vehicle (V2V) communications,
including: intersection movement
assistance, left hand turn assist,
and emergency electronic brake
lights (for poor visibility). In addition,
V2V communications can enhance
forward collision warnings, blind spot
and collision warnings, and do-not-
pass warnings. While there are some Source: Volvo Cars

ideal 5G network, a self-driving car Direct Short Range Communications

travelling at roughly 60 mph will (DSRC) technologies being
move just over one inch from the evaluated, 5G may play a role in the
time it identifies an obstacle to the future.
time when the braking command V2V safety applications have the
is executed. This performance is potential to prevent or reduce the
comparable to a standard anti-lock severity of up to 80% of non-alcohol-
braking system. related crashes. 39 5G, with its device
By contrast, with the latency on a 4G density and real-time capabilities,
LTE network, the car would move 4.6 has the potential to advance V2V
feet under the same conditions. 38 features.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

5G has the potential to dramatically change consumer uses and
experiences with respect to enriched medical training, education,
entertainment, and retail by enabling real-time interactions that take place
wirelessly, without visual delay. Virtual reality is becoming available to
consumers today with the launch of products such as Samsung’s Gear VR,40

5G Verizon VGo Robotic
Case Study
Telepresence
Several companies have established
innovation centers to enable wireless
companies to develop and test innovative
wireless technology solutions. One of
the early examples is the VGo Robotic
Telepresence, a wireless, robotic
telepresence unit. The unit is mobile and
can be used to provide video conference
capabilities for education, health, and other
situations where a robot is useful. It can be
used to allow a sick child to attend class
real-time or for a home-bound person to
communicate live with a medical practitioner.
Verizon recently established a 5G
Technology Forum with key leaders/
partners in the industry: Alcatel Lucent,
Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, and
Qualcomm as well as several East and West
Coast venture capitalists. The collective
companies represent billions of dollars
in R&D investment and are the innovative
leaders collaborating to develop the 5G
standards. This will help bring the reality
of 5G in the U.S., enabling a vision of a more
fully connected world.
Microsoft HoloLens,41 Oculus Rift, Sony Playstation VR, and HTC Vive Pre.42
These virtual and augmented reality applications will be enabled by the
real-time communications made possible with the extremely low latency
rates possible with 5G.
For instance, virtual reality is being used to provide medical training, job
training astronauts, medics, police officers and for skilled trades such as
welders, as well as in automotive product development and in a wide range
of advertising applications – from promoting movies to tourism in British
Columbia.43
5G’s low latency will play a pivotal role in the evolution of virtual reality
applications like these, affording users life-like experiences on the move.44
In the health sector, medical facilities are using the wireless Oculus
Rift, which provides a 360 degree immersive experience on the go, as a
training tool that allows medical students to experience a procedure from a
surgeon’s perspective.45
Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, for example,
is using the Oculus Rift at its first-of-its-kind virtual reality learning center,
which allows students from every program—dentistry, osteopathic
medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, and nursing—to learn
through virtual reality technologies.46
In education, Google is piloting a field a trip simulation system called
Expeditions, providing students a 3D-rich experience that simulates going
on a field trip to far-off places. Imagine schools with limited resources
being able to bring the Colosseum in Rome or the Parthenon in Greece to
students.47
Virtual reality and augmented reality can also provide absorbing
educational opportunities such as visiting virtual museums that assemble
lost artworks or provide the context for an artist like Van Gogh’s life’s
work.48 This can deliver benefits in the form of sustainability, by eliminating
costly travel, as well as environmental preservation in touring sensitive
areas.49
Virtual reality will dramatically change the world of entertainment including
movies, concerts, and other immersive experiences. Imagine being able
to experience your favorite band or artist in a virtual concert in 3D in the
comfort of your own home.50 Virtual reality can even be used for retail.
Tommy Hilfiger just announced the use of Virtual Reality in their stores
where consumers can experience a fashion show in 3D.51 Virtual reality
holds out the promise of more customized experiences, which can be
updated and enabled wirelessly, and the prospect of cost savings and
increased demand for actual as well as virtual goods.52
Real-time Video Conferencing
With enhanced real-time capabilities from 5G networks, video conferencing
will become more pervasive, which enables telecommuting, richer meetings,
and energy savings.
5G
“5G represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our homes, our cities,
and our society. But that means working together on the right framework for wireless
innovation and investment.” • Meredith Attwell Baker, President and CEO, CTIA

What We Need From Policymakers

Policymakers play an important role in advancing 5G technology with a
focus on three key issues: more spectrum, streamlined infrastructure deployment, and
support for research and development. If consumers are to benefit from 5G services
by 2020, we need a committed effort to provide operators with the tools they need to
invest in another generation of networks.

Beyond a light-touch, investment friendly regulatory approach, we need to:

Find more spectrum

America’s global leadership in
mobile depends on spectrum.
Countries around the world are
looking to 5G not merely as a
wireless technology, but as a key
input for economic growth. We
must do the same or risk innovation
and investment being exported
overseas. Because wireless
fosters innovation across nearly
every industry sector, the potential
consequences of falling behind are
stark.53
The cornerstone for wireless growth
and innovation will be clearing
additional spectrum for 5G. Very
large swaths of high band spectrum
are required to support localized
5G “hotspots.” Additional low and
mid band spectrum will enable 5G
technology to support much higher
device density throughout wide
coverage areas.54
The FCC should act on the Spectrum
Frontiers High Band docket this
year in order to make spectrum
available for 5G in a timely manner.
It is important that spectrum be
available to allow operators to
deploy as early as they choose for
business and technical reasons.
Furthermore, Congress and the Urban small cells
Administration should act to identify
additional spectrum to be auctioned
as soon as practicable. This will
provide the low and mid band
spectrum to keep up with growth
and to enable deployment of the
latest technology.

Streamline infrastructure deployment

Sound infrastructure policy is a
necessary complement to sound
spectrum policy. When and how we
introduce 5G depends, in part, upon
removing barriers to the deployment
of cell sites and antennas.
Ultra-dense network configurations,
key to creating these ultra-dense
networks. Moreover, because the
propagation of higher frequencies
is limited in range and building
penetration, wireless deployments
will be needed for both indoor and
outdoor environments. Towers Source: Nokia

particularly in metro areas also will have to be constructed to

heavy with users, will be a major provide 5G coverage across the
component of 5G. Small cells are nation.
To enable these deployments, policymakers should continue to adopt
reasonable, predictable siting processes. Such steps include imposing
a deadline on federal agencies to act on wireless siting applications and
further streamlining by the FCC of small cell and DAS environmental
processing.55
In addition, cities and municipalities should look for ways to facilitate new
deployments using existing and new facilities.

Increase support for 5G R&D

The U.S. needs a robust ecosystem
of research and development
(R&D) in wireless technologies,
infrastructure, chipsets, devices,
and applications. Focused R&D
is needed to realize the full
innovation potential of spectrum
made available for 5G services.
Policymakers should continue efforts
to increase support for R&D; last
year’s decision to make permanent
the R&D tax credit is a good first
step.56
Many technology companies
including QUALCOMM, Samsung,
Intel, Cisco, Ericsson, Motorola, and
others are investing in R&D and
funding research internally and with
universities. Nokia, which recently
acquired Alcatel-Lucent (Bell Labs),
has been investing in 5G R&D and
has funded NYU Poly, one of the
leading U.S. universities in millimeter
wave technology, to develop
and demonstrate 5G technology
capabilities.57
Furthermore, the government should
continue to make direct investments
in 5G, such as through the National
Science Foundation (NSF).58 NSF is
funding several research programs
using their various research
programs, testbed infrastructure
programs, and testbeds. Partnering
with other government agencies
including the White House Office
of Science and Technology (OSTP),
NTIA, DARPA, and others, the NSF
can be an important tool to advance
5G research and strengthen the
partnership between industry and
universities.
Together, with appropriate new
spectrum, streamlined infrastructure
deployment, and favorable R&D, the
ecosystem will help ensure the U.S.
is a leader in 5G.

Smart Cities
Operators and technology companies are partnering with cities
to provide sensors, connectivity, platforms and solutions to enable
consumer benefits, efficiency and energy savings.
 Endnotes
1. FCC, Annual Report and Analysis of
Competitive Market Conditions with Respect
to Mobile Wireless, Eighteenth Report, DA
15-1487, at Chart III.A.3 (Dec. 23, 2015).
2. Id. at ¶ 106.
3. NGMN Alliance, NGMN 5G White Paper
(Feb. 17, 2015), at
https://www.ngmn.org/uploads/media/
NGMN_5G_White_Paper_V1_0.pdf
4. 4G Americas Recommendations on
5G Requirements and Solutions (Oct.
2014), at http://www.4gamericas.org/
files/2714/1471/2645/4G_Americas_Recom-
mendations_on_5G_Requirements_and_
Solutions_10_14_2014-FINALx.pdf and 4G
Americas, 5G Spectrum Recommendations
(Aug. 2015), at
http://www.4gamericas.org/
files/7814/4606/7589/4G_Americas_5G_
Spectrum_Recommendations_White_Pa-
per-2015.pdf
5. Ericsson, 5G Use Cases (Jul. 8, 2015), at
http://www.ericsson.com/news/150708-5g-
user-cases_244069645_c
6. Nokia, 5G Use Cases and Requirements,
at http://networks.nokia.com/sites/default/
files/document/5g_requirements_white_pa-
per.pdf
7. 4G Americas, 5G Technology Evolution
Recommendations (Oct. 2015), at http://ww-
w.4gamericas.org/files/2414/4431/9312/4G_
Americas_5G_Technology_Evolution_Rec-
ommendations_-_10.5.15_2.pdf
8. NGMN 5G White Paper, at https://www.
ngmn.org/uploads/media/NGMN_5G_
White_Paper_V1_0.pdf
9. This varies considerably depending on
many factors – device type, application (vid-
eo, browsing, e-mail), technology capability,
radio environment, mobility, and other uses
on the network.
10. Neville Ray, Taking America’s Fastest
4G LTE Network Even Further, T-Mobile USA
CTO blog (Dec. 23, 2015), at
https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/issues-
insights-blog/2015-end-of-year-network-
recap.htm
11. Jeff Hawn, In-Depth: State of 5G for
the Big Four Carriers, RCRWIreless (Nov.
29, 2015), at http://www.rcrwireless.
com/20151129/carriers/5g-efforts-for-the-
big-four-carriers-tag15
12. James Geddes, Samsung Testing 5G
Network With Lightning Speed Standards
Of 20 GB Per Second, TechTimes (Jul. 14
2015), at http://www.techtimes.com/arti-
cles/68237/20150714/samsung-testing-5g-
network-with-lightning-speed-standards-of-
20-gb-per-second.htm
13. Joe Lorrio, Volvo and Ericsson Partner
on the Real Killer App for Autonomous Cars:
Streaming HD Video, Car and Driver (Jan 4,
2016), at http://blog.caranddriver.com/volvo-
and-ericsson-partner-on-the-real-killer-app-
for-autonomous-cars-streaming-hd-video/
14. Nokia Press Release, Nokia Networks
showcases 5G speed of 10Gbps with NI at
the Brooklyn 5G Summit (Apr. 8, 2015), at
http://networks.nokia.com/news-events/
press-room/press-releases/nokia-networks-
showcases-5g-speed-of-10gbps-with-ni-at-
the-brooklyn-5g-summit
15. Deb Miller Landau, How 5G Will Power
the Future Internet of Things, at http://iq.in-
tel.com/how-5g-will-power-the-future-inter-
net-of-things/
16. QUALCOMM, Qualcomm’s 5G Vision
(Nov. 20150), at https://www.qualcomm.com/
media/documents/files/qualcomm-5g-vi-
sion-presentation.pdf
17. See Jo Best, The Race to 5G: Inside the
Fight for the Future of Mobile As We Know It,
TECH REPUBLIC, at http://www.techrepublic.
com/article/does-the-world-really-need-5g/;
Jonathan Farfield, What is 5G, when will it
launch and what will it mean for you?, THAI-
TECH (Jan. 21, 2015), at http://tech.thaivisa.
com/5g-will-launch-will-mean/3053/.
18. See Rob Chamberlin, What will 5G mean
for consumers, businesses, and the Internet
of Things, Geektime (Jan. 3, 2016), at http://
www.geektime.com/2016/01/03/what-will-
5g-mean-for-consumers-businesses-and-
the-internet-of-things/.
19. Ericsson Mobility Report 2015 (Nov.
2015), at http://www.ericsson.com/res/
docs/2015/mobility-report/emr-nov-2015-re-
gional-report-north-america.pdf
20. Mary Meeker, Internet Trends 2015 (May
27, 2015), at http://kpcbweb2.s3.amazonaws.
com/files/90/Internet_Trends_2015.
pdf?1432738078
21. David Goldman, 5G will cost you a
bundle, CNN MONEY (May 19, 2015), at
http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/18/technolo-
gy/5g-cost-wireless-data.
22. See SAMSUNG, 5G VISION 2-4 (Jun.
2015) (“SAMSUNG 5G VISION”), at http://
www.samsung.com/global/business-imag-
es/insights/2015/Samsung-5G-Vision-1.pdf;
Neal Ungerleider, 5G Wireless Is Coming
… But What Is It Anyway, FAST COMPANY
(Oct. 26, 2015), at http://www.fastcompany.
com/3051626/elasticity/5g-wireless-is-com-
ingbut-what-is-it-anyway.
23. Ericsson Mobility Report 2015, at http://
www.ericsson.com/res/docs/2015/mobili-
ty-report/ericsson-mobility-report-nov-2015.
pdf
24. AT&T Newsroom, ATT launches smart
cities framework with New Strategic Allianc-
es, Spotlight Cities, and Integrated Vertical
Solutions (Jan. 5, 2016), at
http://about.att.com/story/launches_smart_
cities_framework.html
25. Mary-Ann Russon, What will 5G be used
for? Self-driving cars, connected home ap-
pliances and incredibly smart cities, INTER-
NATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES (Nov. 7, 2015),
at http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/what-will-5g-be-
used-self-driving-cars-connected-home-ap-
pliances-incredibly-smart-cities-1527420.
26. McKinsey Global Institute, The Internet
of Things: Mapping the Value Beyond the
Hype (June 2015), (hereafter McKinsey),
at http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/
business_technology/the_internet_of_
things_the_value_of_digitizing_the_phys-
ical_world, Smart Cities, p. 89 including
$403-693B air and water monitoring; $223-
504B adaptive traffic management; $5-9B
smart solid waste pickup; $13-16B public
transit schedule management.
27. Aditi Pai, Forrester: 35 percent of mil-
lennials will buy a fitness wearable in the
next year, MOBILE HEALTH NEWS (Sept. 30,
2015), at http://mobihealthnews.com/47134/
forrester-35-percent-of-millennials-will-buy-
a-fitness-wearable-in-the-next-year.
28. McKinsey, Wearables, p. 45.
29. SAMSUNG, 5G VISION 2 (June 2015),
at http://www.samsung.com/global/busi-
ness-images/insights/2015/Samsung-5G-Vi-
sion-1.pdf.
30. Beth Mole, Smartphone-based system
does job of a pancreas, treats type 1dia-
betes, ARS TECHNICA (Jan. 9, 2016), at
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smartphone-based-system-does-job-of-
pancreas-treats-type-1-diabetes. See also
Press Release, Medtronic and Samsung
Partner to Enhance Diabetes Management
and Empower Overall Patient Health (June
5, 2015) (discussing the development of
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including remotely viewing diabetes data,
remote alerts for loved ones, and integrating
mobile and wearable devices into diabetes
management systems), at http://www.
fiercemedicaldevices.com/press-releases/
medtronic-and-samsung-partner-en-
hance-diabetes-management-and-empow-
er-overa.
31. McKinsey, Healthcare, pp. 38-43 includ-
ing cost savings of $110-470B for treatment
of chronic diseases; $35B in reduced costs
of clinical trials; and $520B in improvements
of lifespan and quality of life. Diseases con-
sidered include heart disease; respiratory
disease; diabetes; HIV/AIDS; cancer; other
chronic diseases; non-chronic diseases; neu-
ropsychiatric conditions; and sensory organ
diseases; $30-117B counterfeit drug reduc-
tions; $2-14B improved medical devices.
32. McKinsey, Healthcare, pp. 38-43 includ-
ing cost savings of $110-470B for treatment
of chronic diseases; $35B in reduced costs
of clinical trials; and $520B in improvements
of lifespan and quality of life. Diseases con-
sidered include heart disease; respiratory
disease; diabetes; HIV/AIDS; cancer; other
chronic diseases; non-chronic diseases; neu-
ropsychiatric conditions; and sensory organ
diseases; $30-117B counterfeit drug reduc-
tions; $2-14B improved medical devices.
33. Sprint Release, Sprint Introduces World-
wide Control over All Connected Devices
Through a Simple Self Service Portal (Apr.
23, 2015), at http://newsroom.sprint.com/
news-releases/sprint-introduces-instant-
worldwide-control-over-all-connected-de-
vices-through-a-simple-self-service-portal.
htm
34. SmartGrid Consumer Collaborative,
SmartGrid 101 Consumer Benefits, at http://
www.whatissmartgrid.org/smart-grid-101/
consumer-benefits
35. McKinsey, Agriculture, p. 69 including
$1-3B livestock monitoring; $52-338B agri-
cultural yield improvement.
36. McKinsey, Public Safety, p. 89 including
$24-41B disaster and emergency services;
$14-31B crime detection and monitoring.
37. 4G AMERICAS, IGNITING MOBILE
BROADBAND 20 (“4G AMERICAS, LTE AND
5G INNOVATION”), http://www.4gamericas.
org/files/9214/3991/2167/4G_Americas_
Rysavy_Research_LTE_and_5G_Innova-
tion_white_paper.pdf.
38. Huawei, 5G Vision: 100 Billion connec-
tions, 1 ms Latency, and 10 Gbps Through-
put, at http://www.huawei.com/minisite/5g/
en/defining-5g.html.
39. National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration, V2V Communications Fact Sheet, at
http://www.safercar.gov/staticfiles/safercar/
v2v/V2V_Fact_Sheet_101414_v2a.pdf.
40. Nicole Lee, Samsung Gear VR review
(2015): A no-brainer if you own a Samsung
phone, Engadget (Nov. 25, 2015), at http://
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gear-vr-review-2015/
41. Max Slater-Robins, Here’s everything we
know about Microsoft’s augmented reality
headset HoloLens, Business Insider (Oct. 17,
2015), at http://www.businessinsider.com/
microsoft-hololens-augmented-reality-head-
set-roundup-2015-10?r=UK&IR=T
42. Paul Lamkin, The best VR headsets: Ocu-
lus Rift, Playstation VR, Gear VR, HTC Vive...
virtual reality is back, baby!, Wareable
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headgear/the-best-ar-and-vr-headsets
43. Eric Carson, 9 industries using virtual
reality, TechRepublic (Mar. 10, 2015), at
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/9-in-
dustries-using-virtual-reality/. See also
Sarah Evans, Using virtual reality welding to
evaluate and train welders, The Fabricators
(Mar. 18, 2014), at http://www.thefabricator.
com/article/arcwelding/using-virtual-reali-
ty-welding-to-evaluate-and-train-welders,
and Destination British Columbia, The
Making of the Wild Within VR Experience, at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SkH-
dRvPbv4&t=144
44. See Quinten Plummer, Oculus VR Promis-
es a Rift for All in 2016, TECH NEWS WORLD
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com/story/82018.html; SAMSUNG 5G
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Oculus Rift operation meat to change
the way surgeons are taught, POLYGON
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com/2014/8/14/6001841/oculus-rift-sur-
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46. John Gaudiosi, How this med school
is using virtual reality to teach students,
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com/2015/10/16/western-university-is-us-
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System Aims to Enliven Education, The
New York Times (Sept. 28, 2015), at http://
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google-virtual-reality-system-aims-to-enliv-
en-education.html and Google, Introducing
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est Stolen Artworks in this Virtual-Reality
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est-stolen-artworks-virtual-reality-mu-
seum/. See also Alex Radsky, Where
History Comes Alive: Augmented Reality in
Museums, The Synapse (May 6, 2015), at
https://medium.com/synapse/where-histo-
ry-comes-alive-augmented-reality-in-muse-
ums-64a81825b799#.e7uzmrszp
49. Daniel A. Guttentag, Virtual reality:
Applications and implications for tourism,
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S0261517709001332
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article/9-industries-using-virtual-reality/
51. Rachel Arthur, Hands-On With Tommy
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Experience, Forbes (Oct. 25, 2015), at
http://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelar-
thur/2015/10/25/hands-on-with-tommy-hil-
figers-in-store-virtual-reality-catwalk-ex-
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52. Brian Shuster, Utherverse Digital, Could
Virtual Reality Revitalize the Economy?
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insights/2014/10/virtual-reality-economy/.
See also Matthew Yeomans, Oculus Rift isn’t
just a game; it could have powerful effect on
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at http://www.theguardian.com/sustain-
able-business/oculus-rift-facebook-acquisi-
tion-sustainability-effect
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& CEO, CTIA – The Wireless Association®,
ISART 2015 Remarks (May 14, 2015), at
http://www.ctia.org/docs/default-source/
default-document-library/isart-speech-pub-
lic.pdf.
54. See Comments of CTIA – The Wireless
Association®, GN Dkt. No. 14-177 (Jan. 15,
2015), at http://www.ctia.org/docs/de-
fault-source/fcc-filings/150115-filed-ctia-5g-
noi-comments.pdf?sfvrsn=0.
55. See Testimony of Scott Bergmann, Vice
President, Regulatory Affairs, CTIA – The
Wireless Ass’n, Breaking Down Barriers
to Broadband Infrastructure Deployment:
Hearing Before the House Energy & Com-
merce Subcomm. on Commc’ns & Tech. (Oct.
28, 2015), at http://docs.house.gov/meet-
ings/IF/IF16/20151028/104121/HHRG-114-
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56. See Alisa Chang, 8 Things Congress Ac-
tually Did This Year, NPR (Dec. 30, 2015), at
http://www.npr.org/2015/12/30/461388614/8-
things-congress-actually-did-this-year.
See also TechNet: Preserve Research and
Development Inside U.S.; 21 organizations
urging renewal of the critical R&D tax credit
(Apr. 4, 2014), at http://www.technet.org/
technet-preserve-research-and-develop-
ment-inside-u-s/.
57. Nokia Press Release, Nokia Networks
showcases 5G speed of 10Gbps with NI at
the Brooklyn 5G Summit(Apr. 8, 2015), at
http://networks.nokia.com/news-events/
press-room/press-releases/nokia-networks-
showcases-5g-speed-of-10gbps-with-ni-at-
the-brooklyn-5g-summit
58. National Science Foundation, 5G
Wireless Network Research at NSF, at http://
www.nsf.gov/cise/5G/